Tampa Bay Lightning Trade Darren Raddysh for Fifth-Round Pick

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded defenseman Darren Raddysh for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. Julien BriseBois, the vice president and general manager, announced the trade. Raddysh played in 73 games with the Lightning this season and set a franchise record for goals in a season by a defenseman with 22. He led the Lightning in goals, assists with 48, points with 70, power-play points with 26, and game-winning goals with 6 in the 2025-26 season. And with this trade, the Lightning acquire a valuable pick for the upcoming draft. The defenseman has recorded 35 goals and 143 points in 249 career NHL games, all with the Lightning. BriseBois made the announcement, and the trade is now official. The NHL draft will be held on June 26 in Buffalo at 7 p.m. Raddysh's departure marks a significant change for the Lightning's roster. The team will look to utilize the acquired pick to strengthen their lineup. So the focus now shifts to the draft and the opportunities it presents for the Lightning. The trade is a strategic move by BriseBois to secure the team's future. With the draft approaching, the Lightning are poised to make some key decisions. The fifth-round pick provides the team with flexibility and options for the upcoming season.